Friday, January 9, 2009

Friday Finds

Two new additions to my library this week, both bargain hardcovers I picked up at The New England Mobile Book Fair, my new favorite place.

First a little about the store. It's a huge warehouse of new and used books- up-to-the-minute releases and rooms and rooms of remainders and used books. The location is terrible- it's on the highway and completely inaccessible by public transportation- and the hours aren't much better- they close at 7 on weeknights and even earlier on the weekends- but what a place. It reminds me of Green Apple Books in San Francisco, one of my absolute favorite-est bookstores ever with its never-ending selection and tempting bargains. The children's remainders are incredible- a huge room of all kinds of first-quality kids books, arranged by title and most costing around $5. Love it!

On to the books. I think I acted with remarkable restraint, only buying two books. The first is Cynthia Ozick's Heir to the Glimmering World, about a young woman who goes to work for an eccentric Jewish family. One of their hangers-on is a young man who is heir to a children's-book fortune. The second is Marina Lewycka's Strawberry Fields, a follow up to her Booker-nominated A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, which I absolutely loved. I'm looking forward to both. In fact right now I have so many great books on my shelves I really don't know where to start! Maybe I'll run a poll and let you all pick one for me!

12 comments:

Brandy said...

Unless NEMBF moved, they're still on Needham St in Newton, right? It's just over a half-mile from the Newton Highlands stop on the Green (D) line... though you might want to bring the car anyway to carry home all your finds! I didn't know they had used books now, though I remember the remainders. Oh, the hours we lost in that gigantic place!

Marie Cloutier said...

I heart you, Brandy!

Unknown said...

I have hear of A Glimmering World.
I have good things about her work.
I have the Short History of the Ukraine on my book shelf. I wanted to try reading it soon. I have bear about Strawberry Fields, sounds just as quirky as her last book. Can't wait for your review.
Have a great weekend, Marie

Brandy said...

Marie, before you hop the T, take a look at a map--you'll be crossing the entrance ramp to Rt 9 and Needham St is always a particular joy to walk along. It's not the safest walk in the world, but it's not too bad during the day. Also, the Thai place (Jamjuli) on the corner of Center & Walnut Streets is delicious!

And, um, I have no opinion on your book selection, since I haven't heard anything of either one. Alas.

Sandra said...

You did show remarkable restraint. I loved Heir but I love all things Ozick and am a completeist when it comes to authors I really love. I got a copy of A Short History through Bookmooch though not sure whether I'd like it. But if you did, I probably will. I can't wait to hear how you liked these books.
Great finds.

Lenore Appelhans said...

Sounds like my kind of bookstore! I've read Strawberry Fields and I haven't eaten non-free range chicken since. Read on an empty stomach.

bermudaonion said...

I'm impressed with your restraint. Only two books - it looks like you went for quality over quantity.

Marie Cloutier said...

Brandy, Ooo, I see what you mean. Maybe I'll do a drive-by to see what it looks like. I appreciate your advice on this! :-)

wisteria said...

Hi Marie...Congratulations...Go to my blog to see why. :)
Wisteria @ Bookworms Dinner

The Bookworm said...

great finds :)
if there was a book fair nearby me, i'd be in big trouble...lol
Its hard to pick which book to read next...so many choices!
enjoyu your reading.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

Audrey said...

Next to Brookline Booksmith, NEMBF is my favorite place to shop for remainders (and regular books)... I'm glad you discovered it!

Shana said...

The NEMBF sounds awesome Marie, and it looks like you picked up two interesting books there this time. I would have had difficulty limiting myself to two!

Shana
Literarily